Potato and salmon fish cakes (otherwise known as salmon patties) are not only a quick and easy dinner idea that everyone will love, they’re also inexpensive and very nutritious!
Originally published September 7, 2016.
I know so many people who love salmon, but I’m not one of them.
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I don’t know why I just don’t like the flavor of this fish, however, there are two exceptions: smoked salmon and salmon patties. (My very favorite fish is haddock, as I grew up eating my dad’s fish and chips!)
I don’t have a recipe for smoked salmon, but I do for these easy fish cakes! (And I’ve just learned today, thanks to reader, Ray, that I’d probably make an exception for grilled jerk salmon, too!) These scrumptious fish cakes are perfect any time of year, but especially good to have on hand (or in the freezer) during Lent.
Actually, these potato and salmon patties are so simple, the measurements aren’t even critical in this recipe.
Love seafood? You’ll want to devour this seafood pasta dish!
Just use leftover mashed potatoes with leftover cooked salmon, tinned salmon, cod, haddock; honestly, any cooked fish will work. When you make them, you’ll see that fish cakes are really so easy to make that a child can put them together. I used tinned salmon in one batch and fresh salmon for another. What fish do you prefer in your fish cakes?
If you like salmon, try this one pan maple glazed salmon meal!
How to Serve Salmon Patties.
You can just serve the potato and salmon patties as they are on a plate with a side or two, but they also work marvelously in bread or a bun to form a fish sandwich.
If you’re able to find/order smoked haddock (Finnan haddies), then you can make this recipe, too!
I wrote a fun post and included the recipe for my brother’s “amazing” crab cakes! 😂
I hope you enjoy this easy fish cake recipe.
Don’t miss my dad’s recipe for fish and chips! He ran a fish and chip shop in Scotland!
I’ve also included directions on how to freeze potato and salmon patties.
Potato & Salmon Fish Cakes (Salmon Patties)
Easy Fish Cakes
recipe by Christina Conte makes about 10 patties
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
Patties:
- mashed potatoes
- cooked salmon or tinned salmon
- egg
- salt
- pepper
- Italian parsley
To coat:
- egg
- breadcrumbs
- salt and pepper
To fry:
- olive oil
Step by Step Directions
Put the mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover will both work), salmon or fish of choice, egg, salt, pepper and parsley together in a bowl.
Mix all the ingredients together using a fork to break up the fish.
Then form into a fish cake, or patty.
If your fish cakes are really soft, pop the bowl into the fridge for a bit, but I usually don’t find it necessary. Dip the salmon patties into beaten egg, using a brush to coat them evenly. I love these stainless steel trays. Then coat in breadcrumbs.
Place the fish cakes on a baking sheet and continue until the remaining mixture is finished. Keep refrigerated if you won’t be frying them immediately.
Fry gently over medium heat in a pan until golden brown on both sides, adding oil as needed.
Place the potato and salmon patties on a paper-towel lined baking sheet to absorb the excess oil.
Serve as desired, but you really only need a salad or vegetable since there’s already potato in the fish cake.
How to Freeze Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes.
These potato and salmon patties freeze extremely well. Just wrap them in tin foil with layers of parchment or waxed paper in between each patty. You can then defrost in the fridge and heat them up in the oven or an air fryer works great, too.
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Try my cioppino recipe, too!
Easy, Step by Step Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes
A great idea for a weeknight meal. Full of protein and something the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (14 oz) of mashed potatoes (leftover is fine)
- leftover cooked salmon or tinned salmon (about 12 to 14 oz)
- 1 egg
- about 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
To Coat
- 1 egg, beaten with a tablespoon of water
- breadcrumbs with a dash of salt and pepper
To Fry
- olive oil
Instructions
- Put the mashed potatoes, salmon, egg, salt, pepper and parsley together in a bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients together using a fork to break up the fish, then form into patties (if the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for an hour or so before shaping).
- Dip patties into beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumbs.
- Place on a baking sheet, and continue until the remaining mixture is finished.
- Fry gently over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, adding oil as needed.
- Place on paper-towel lined sheet to absorb the excess oil. Serve as desired.
Notes
- These potato and salmon patties freeze extremely well. Just wrap them in tin foil with layers of parchment or waxed paper in between each patty. You can then defrost in the fridge, and heat them in the oven, or an air fryer is even better.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 30g
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Looking forward to trying these. Can you advise how much is a cup of mashed potatoes in ounces/grams?. I always have problems changing American cups to grams. Some things are easy to find on the net but others can be a problem. And I might just use some of that lovely orange coloured fish dressing along with some nice Scottish salmon. Do you think that would work?
Hi Janet, I’ll make it easier for you: just do potatoes to fish in a 1:1 ratio. I don’t have mashed potatoes on hand to weigh, so I can’t help you there, but it would never be precise as it would be different depending on the potato and how it was packed into the cup. This recipe really isn’t critical for measurements. Scottish salmon and the fish dressing would be wonderful! Just tell me what time to be at your house for dinner! haha! Enjoy!
Can you used prepackaged mashed potatoes Or should it be fresh mashed potatoes?
I wouldn’t, Jodi. I’ve never used pre-packaged mashed potatoes, but for many reasons, I’d stay with fresh, homemade to get the results you want. (Not sure if they’d fall apart, plus homemade are healthier.) :)
Christina, these fish cakes look so quick and easy. It is always great to find recipes to use up some leftovers. I know that I will be making this often.
Happy to hear it, Kim! :) Thank you!
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I made these for Sunday lunch and the kids loved them! I added diced green pepper and grated carrots.
Thank you for the recipe.
That’s great to hear, Sophia! Always good to hear of children eating healthy and nutritious homemade food! :)
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These are amazing. I added green onion, a jalapeño and some Asiago cheese. So good
Ooh, spicy! Nice! Thank you and so glad you liked them, Jennifer!
How long would you cook them in the oven and what temperature?
Hi Val, I’ve never done them in the oven, but I’d guess 375F for 20 minutes or so? I think you could start with that and just use your own judgment as they’re baking. Do spray them with some oil beforehand, though. Let me know how it goes if you try it. CC